A newsletter for the Consolidated High School District 230 community District Connection Sandburg n Stagg n Andrew High Schools In public education, there should not be “winners and losers” Consolidated High School District 230 and its six partner school districts including 117, 118, 127, 135, 140 and 146 stand to lose between $6.2 million $15.7 million in state funding under the newly proposed Senate Bill 1 School Funding Reform Act, according to figures released by the Illinois State Board of Education. The amount lost is directly dependent on a proposed infusion of between $500 million to $86 million in new funds to support Senate Bill 1. Combined the school districts represent the eighth largest population in the state with 155,955 residents and serve nearly 25,000 students. The school districts continue joint efforts to educate the community and local legislators about the devastating impact this could have on schools and the local community. “Our work to protect the best interest of our community is far from over,” said Nogal. “The success of our partner schools is vital to District 230. We will continue to work collaboratively with our partner districts to fight for our community.” Spring 2015 Call to Action The District 230 School Board and Administration ask our community to contact your elected officials and express your concerns regarding Senate Bill 1. You can write a letter, send a fax or make a phone call. Key points to include: • There should be no “losers” in public education. All students deserve quality education but not at the expense of others. • It is not fair that school districts like District 230 who have been fiscally responsible should be punished by the new funding system. • The State of Illinois needs to own up to its Constitutional responsibility and take primary responsibility for funding education. The state needs to prioritize education funding. Senator Michael Hastings 813 School Road Matteson, IL 60443 708-283-4125 (phone) 708-253-1313 (fax) Senator Bill Cunningham 10400 S. Western Avenue Chicago, IL 60643 773-445-8128 (phone) 773-672-5143 (fax) Senator Christine Radogno 1011 State Street #2 Lemont, IL 60439 630-243-0800 (phone) 630-243-0808 (fax) Represenative Monique Davis 1234 W. 95th Street Chicago, IL 60643 773-445-9700 (phone) 773-445-5755 (fax) Representative Frances Ann Hurley 16033 S. 94th Avenue Orland Hills, IL 60487 (708) 233-9703 (phone) 773-672-5144 (fax) [email protected] Representative Kelly Burke 5144 W. 95th Street Oak Lawn, IL 60453 708-425-0571 (phone) 708-425-0642 (fax) Representaive Margo McDermed 11032 W. Lincoln Highway Frankfort, IL 60423 815-277-2079 (phone) 815-277-2079 (fax) “District 230 remains vigilant in being informed about the newly proposed legislation, in assuring our students’ best interests are represented in future discussions, and in keeping the community informed and involved,” said Nogal. “You can be assured that our school board and administration will remain on top of this important legislation and will continue to assure that District 230’s voice is heard.” We believe that every child deserves access to high quality education that prepares them for their future. However, we do not believe that improving education for some should be at the expense of others.”